Introducing Coturnix

[Lauren111]

I had to separate my single white female Coturnix from her group. She was getting picked on and I suspect it was because she was a different color than the rest. Now that she is all healed up, got her a friend of the same feather so she isn't lonely. Im introducing them in a temporary home before moving them into the coop together. How long should I have them in the temporary home before moving them into the coop? Also, the new girl seems to be more dominant and the less dominant female seems a little stressed. What helps decrease stress levels during introductions as the birds establish their pecking order?

 

[Nabiki]

I would take their permanent home, completely clean and rearrange it, then put them both in at the same time. That way they start out even, both in strange territory.

 

[Lauren111]

I would take their permanent home, completely clean and rearrange it, then put them both in at the same time. That way they start out even, both in strange territor

 

[Lauren111]

Thank you how long should they stay in the temporary coop together before moving them into the main coop?

 

[Nabiki]

If there are injuries, wait until there's no blood.

If they're getting along together, any time is fine, but again, take all of the birds out, clean and rearrange it. I would put your picked on pair in before the others to give them a boost in the pecking order. I don't mean put them in and wait then put the rest in, just putting them in first.

 

[Lauren111]

If there are injuries, wait until there's no blood.

If they're getting along together, any time is fine, but again, take all of the birds out, clean and rearrange it. I would put your picked on pair in before the others to give them a boost in the pecking order. I don't mean put them in and wait then put the rest in, just putting them in first.

Ok, will do. Do you know if lemon, orange, apple, or tangerine tree foliage is safe for Coturnix? I have a small orchard and want to incorporate greenery into the coops for extra hiding but am not sure which tree foliage is safe for Coturnix.

 

[Nabiki]

I'm not sure on the foliage. I know that citrus fruit isn't good for them. I'm sure the branches are fine, but personally, I would avoid the leaves.

 

[vall]

I doubt they'd eat citrus leaves but they do smell pretty strong and some have thorns. I'd go with something less scented and non-thorny.